MADRID (AP)
Spanish police said yesterday they have led an international operation on suspected Internet child pornography, breaking up 62 Web sites with paedophile material in a worldwide crackdown.
Six people were arrested in Spain on suspicion of possessing and circulating child pornography material on the Internet, police said. They said 39 other countries were taking part in the crackdown, mainly in Europe and Latin America, but did not release details of overseas operations.
The national police Brigade of Technological Investigation started a widespread probe a year ago after receiving phone tips from the public, a police statement read. Police said the sites contained images and videos of children in sexual situations, including some of raped babies.
Spanish authorities praised the operation and said Spain has a policy of zero-tolerance on Internet child pornography. “In view of the results, the Spanish police will continue to bet on a zero-tolerance crime policy related to any use of new technology that could pose a danger or an abuse to our children,” Interior Minister Jose Antonio Alonso said in a statement. The maximum penalty for distribution of child pornography is eight years in prison.
Last update on: 29-1-2006